Paper makes the world go round

Weren't computers supposed to make us use less paper? Anybody else find they're using more? LOTS MORE? 

I spent a good part of today doing paperwork, both on the computer and writing personal thank yous with an actual pen and paper. I prefer the pen and paper. But some of what I was doing would be laborious and time-consuming by longhand so I do see the advantage of having a computer and cool software.

Wish I had the cool software.

Another frustrating hour or so spent wrestling with iPages which is SO NOT USER FRIENDLY. I miss, miss, miss PageMaker!

Okay, now that I've vented a little, let's talk about something a lot more fun.

Leather flowers.

I've seen them and adored them, but that's it. Until I discovered our local craft store stocks leather. REAL leather, in a variety of thicknesses and colors. And they have a box full of bits and pieces left over that they sell fairly inexpensively. I want to try my hand at making some leather flowers, and just spent a fun half hour looking at tutorials online. I'll let you know how that works out.

Last evening we headed to Alta Gracia for the big International Food and Music Fair but although it was only overcast here in Carlos Paz, the closer we got to Alta Gracia the harder it rained. Oh well. We turned around and headed back. Today has been sunny and clear except for a few fluffy white clouds so we're going to attempt it again. Ivan discovered that because they've been rained out half the week, they're extending the fair through next Tuesday. But we decided to go now, while the weather is cooperating. Who knows what Monday or Tuesday will be like?

Sunshine means I was able to do some laundry and hang it out on the line. Yay! The smell of line-dried clothes is intoxicating. But it will also be nice to get the parts to fix the dryer so we can use it when we have a cluster of rainy days like we've had this week. Our friends are bringing the parts when they come later this month.

Actually they're bringing a variety of things we need and/or want. But best of all, they're bringing themselves. They're some of our most favorite people in the world and we are looking forward to our time with them. They're a big part of why we're here now; their support and encouragement have proven invaluable over the years.

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.  -- Psalm 27:9

Their counsel helped us clarify what we needed to do in the whole process of deputation and how to go about it. Over cups of tea and an occasional shared meal, they consistently took time from their very busy schedules to guide us, both with their input and how they lived their lives.

Do you have friends like that in your life? What have they meant to you?